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The
Poinsettia
Becoming a Christmas Tradition:
- Also referred to as Christmas Stars, the Poinsettia originated in Mexico before it became popular in American Christmas traditions. Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico and amateur botanist, brought several Poinsettias back to the United States in 1928. He gave some of the plants as gifts to friends and family, and years later, the plant that bears his name is still a popular gift to give and receive during Christmas.
The Legend:
- According to Mexican
legend, a child knelt before the altar at his village's church on
Christmas Eve. Since he had no money, he had no gift to offer to
the Christ Child on his birthday. His prayers were sincere though,
and through a miracle the first "Flower of the Holy Night" bloomed
at his feet in bright red and green homage to the holy birth. This
was the birth of the Poinsettia.
Is the Poinsettia Poisonous?:
- Many people believe that Poinsettia's are poisonous to children and pets. However, this is not correct. In the 1970s, Ohio State University conducted a study which showed that a 50-pound child could eat 500 of the bitter tasting bracts and only suffer a mild upset stomach. The Aztecs even used the milky sap of the poinsettia as medicine to counteract fevers.
Poinsettia Care:
- Light: Medium light
areas are best for Poinsettias, but the will tolerate low light.
Avoid full sun to prevent burned leaves.
- Water: Water when
the soil surface becomes dry.
- Temperature: Keep
at temperatures between 60º and 70ºF.
- NOTE: Poinsettia Plants
bloom when they enter the reproductive state which starts after the
first day of autumn when the nights last 12 hours or more. The reproductive
state can be interrupted by even small light sources that shine on
it when it is supposed to be night. If the reproductive state is interrupted
the plant will not bloom.
More information about Poinsettia. Related resources on Poinsettia.
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